RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 controls miR-381-3p-mediated expression of multidrug resistance protein MRP4 via regulation of circRNA in human renal cells

RNA editing enzyme ADAR2 regulates P-glycoprotein expression in murine breast cancer cells through the circRNA-miRNA pathway

Among the various RNA modifications, adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family, ADAR1 and ADAR2, is the most common nucleotide conversion in mammalian cells. The pathological relevance of ADAR expression has been highlighted in recent human genetic studies. Low expression of the ADAR2 gene is correlated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, but the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. In this study, we constructed Adar2-knockdown (Adar2-KD) murine breast cancer 4T1 cells and observed their reduced susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. Downregulation of ADAR2 induced the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), leading to a reduction in the intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin. The upregulation of P-gp occurred at the post-transcriptional level due to the decreased miR-195a-3p function. The search for the underlying cause of the induction of P-gp expression in Adar2-KD 4T1 cells led to the identification of circular RNA (circRNA) circHif1a as a sponge for miR-195a-3p. The enhanced expression of circHif1a inhibited miR-195a-3p function, resulting in the upregulation of P-gp expression. These results suggest that ADAR2 acts as a suppressor of circHif1a biogenesis and then allows miR-195a-3p to interfere with P-gp translation. Our findings may help to improve drug efficacy by clarifying the mechanism of chemoresistance in breast cancer.

The role of ADAR1 through and beyond its editing activity in cancer

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing of RNA, catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes, is a prevalent RNA modification in mammals. It has been shown that A-to-I editing plays a critical role in multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disorder, and particularly cancer. ADARs are the family of enzymes, including ADAR1, ADAR2, and ADAR3, that catalyze the occurrence of A-to-I editing. Notably, A-to-I editing is mainly catalyzed by ADAR1. Given the significance of A-to-I editing in disease development, it is important to unravel the complex roles of ADAR1 in cancer for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.In this review, we briefly describe the progress of research on A-to-I editing and ADARs in cancer, mainly focusing on the role of ADAR1 in cancer from both editing-dependent and independent perspectives. In addition, we also summarized the factors affecting the expression and editing activity of ADAR1 in cancer.

Exploring the interplay between PARP1 and circRNA biogenesis and function

PARP1 (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1) is a multidomain protein with a flexible and self-folding structure that allows it to interact with a wide range of biomolecules, including nucleic acids and target proteins. PARP1 interacts with its target molecules either covalently via PARylation or non-covalently through its PAR moieties induced by auto-PARylation. These diverse interactions allow PARP1 to participate in complex regulatory circuits and cellular functions. Although the most studied PARP1-mediated functions are associated with DNA repair and cellular stress response, subsequent discoveries have revealed additional biological functions. Based on these findings, PARP1 is now recognized as a major modulator of gene expression. Several discoveries show that this multifunctional protein has been intimately connected to several steps of mRNA biogenesis, from transcription initiation to mRNA splicing, polyadenylation, export, and translation of mRNA to proteins. Nevertheless, our understanding of PARP1's involvement in the biogenesis of both coding and noncoding RNA, notably circular RNA (circRNA), remains restricted. In this review, we outline the possible roles of PARP1 in circRNA biogenesis. A full examination of the regulatory roles of PARP1 in nuclear processes with an emphasis on circRNA may reveal new avenues to control dysregulation implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.

CircRNAs in colorectal cancer: potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNA with covalently closed-loop structures and are highly stable, conserved, and abundantly expressed in various organs and tissues. Recent research found abnormal circRNA expression in CRC patients' blood/serum, cells, CRC tissues, and exosomes. Furthermore, mounting data demonstrated that circRNAs are crucial to the development of CRC. CircRNAs have been shown to exert biological functions by acting as microRNA sponges, RNA-binding protein sponges, regulators of gene splicing and transcription, and protein/peptide translators. These characteristics make circRNAs potential markers for CRC diagnosis and prognosis, potential therapeutic targets, and circRNA-based therapies. However, further studies are still necessary to improve the understanding of the roles and biological mechanisms of circRNAs in the development of CRC. In this review, up-to-date research on the role of circRNAs in CRC was examined, focusing on their potential application in CRC diagnosis and targeted therapy, which would advance the knowledge of the functions of circRNAs in the development and progression of CRC.

CREBZF mRNA nanoparticles suppress breast cancer progression through a positive feedback loop boosted by circPAPD4

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) negatively impacts the health of women worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of endogenous RNAs considered essential regulatory factor in BC tumorigenesis and progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs remain unclear.

METHODS

Expression levels of circPAPD4, miR-1269a, CREBZF, and ADAR1 in BC cell lines and tissues were measured using bioinformatics analysis, RT-qPCR, ISH, and IHC. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using CCK8, EdU staining, flow cytometry, and TUNEL assays. Pearson correlation analysis, RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the correlation among circPAPD4, miR-1269a, CREBZF, STAT3, and ADAR1. Effects of circPAPD4 overexpression on tumor progression were investigated using in vivo assays. Moreover, CREBZF mRNA delivered by polymeric nanoparticles (CREBZF-mRNA-NPs) was used to examine application value of our findings.

RESULTS

CircPAPD4 expression was low in BC tissues and cells. Functionally, circPAPD4 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPAPD4 biogenesis was regulated by ADAR1. And circPAPD4 promoted CREBZF expression by competitively binding to miR-1269a. More importantly, CREBZF promoted circPAPD4 expression by suppressing STAT3 dimerization and ADAR1 expression, revealing a novel positive feedback loop that curbed BC progression. Systematic delivery of CREBZF-mRNA-NPs effectively induced CREBZF expression and activated the positive feedback loop of circPAPD4/miR-1269a/CREBZF/STAT3/ADAR1, which might suppress BC progression in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings firstly illustrated that circPAPD4/miR-1269a/CREBZF/STAT3/ADAR1 positive feedback loop mediated BC progression, and delivering CREBZF mRNA nanoparticles suppressed BC progression in vitro and in vivo, which might provide novel insights into therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

Roles of Aging, Circular RNAs, and RNA Editing in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable motor neuron disease caused by upper and lower motor neuron death. Despite advances in our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, effective treatment for this fatal disease remains elusive. As aging is a major risk factor for ALS, age-related molecular changes may provide clues for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Dysregulation of age-dependent RNA metabolism plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ALS. In addition, failure of RNA editing at the glutamine/arginine (Q/R) site of GluA2 mRNA causes excitotoxicity due to excessive Ca²⁺ influx through Ca²⁺-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors, which is recognized as an underlying mechanism of motor neuron death in ALS. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a circular form of cognate RNA generated by back-splicing, are abundant in the brain and accumulate with age. Hence, they are assumed to play a role in neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that age-related dysregulation of RNA editing and changes in circRNA expression are involved in ALS pathogenesis. Herein, we review the potential associations between age-dependent changes in circRNAs and RNA editing, and discuss the possibility of developing new therapies and biomarkers for ALS based on age-related changes in circRNAs and dysregulation of RNA editing.

CircRNAs: versatile players and new targets in organ fibrosis

Organ fibrosis can occur in virtually all major organs with relentlessly progressive and irreversible progress, ultimately resulting in organ dysfunction and potentially death. Unfortunately, current clinical treatments cannot halt or reverse the progression of fibrosis to end-stage organ failure, and thus, advanced antifibrotic therapeutics are urgently needed. In recent years, a growing body of research has revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play pivotal roles in the development and progression of organ fibrosis through highly diverse mechanisms of action. Thus, manipulating circRNAs has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate fibrosis across different organ types. In this review, we systemically summarize the current state of knowledge about circRNA biological properties and the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs. A comprehensive overview of major fibrotic signaling pathways and representative circRNAs that are known to modulate fibrotic signals are outlined. Then, we focus on the research progress of the versatile functional roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in various fibrotic diseases in different organs, including the heart, liver, lung, kidney and skin. Finally, we offer a glimpse into the prospects of circRNA-based interference and therapy, as well as their utilization as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of fibrotic diseases. Video abstract.

Research progress on circular RNA vaccines

Owing to the success of linear mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, biopharmaceutical companies and research teams worldwide have attempted to develop more stable circular RNA (circRNA) vaccines and have achieved some preliminary results. This review aims to summarize key findings and important progress made in circRNA research, the in vivo metabolism and biological functions of circRNAs, and research progress and production process of circRNA vaccines. Further, considerations regarding the quality control of circRNA vaccines are highlighted herein, and the main challenges and problem-solving strategies in circRNA vaccine development and quality control are outlined to provide a reference for circRNA vaccine-related research.

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Role of Circular RNA HIPK3 in Human Diseases

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs with closed-loop of single-stranded RNA structure. Although most of the circRNAs do not directly encode proteins, emerging evidence suggests that circRNAs play a pivotal and complex role in multiple biological processes by regulating gene expression. As one of the most popular circRNAs, circular homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3) has frequently gained the interest of researchers in recent years. Accumulating studies have demonstrated the significant impacts on the occurrence and development of multiple human diseases including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory diseases, and others. The present review aims to provide a detailed description of the functions of circHIPK3 and comprehensively overview the diagnostic and therapeutic value of circHIPK3 in these certain diseases.

RNA modifications: importance in immune cell biology and related diseases

RNA modifications have become hot topics recently. By influencing RNA processes, including generation, transportation, function, and metabolization, they act as critical regulators of cell biology. The immune cell abnormality in human diseases is also a research focus and progressing rapidly these years. Studies have demonstrated that RNA modifications participate in the multiple biological processes of immune cells, including development, differentiation, activation, migration, and polarization, thereby modulating the immune responses and are involved in some immune related diseases. In this review, we present existing knowledge of the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of RNA modifications, including N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), 5-methylcytosine (m⁵C), N¹-methyladenosine (m¹A), N⁷-methylguanosine (m⁷G), N⁴-acetylcytosine (ac⁴C), pseudouridine (Ψ), uridylation, and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, and summarize their critical roles in immune cell biology. Via regulating the biological processes of immune cells, RNA modifications can participate in the pathogenesis of immune related diseases, such as cancers, infection, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We further highlight the challenges and future directions based on the existing knowledge. All in all, this review will provide helpful knowledge as well as novel ideas for the researchers in this area.